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Michael E. Webber

Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Deputy Director of the Energy Institute, University of Texas at Austin

As Deputy Director of the Energy Institute, Co-Director of the Clean Energy Incubator, Josey Centennial Professor in Energy Resources, and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Michael E. Webber trains the next generation of energy leaders at the University of Texas at Austin through research and education at the convergence of engineering, policy, and commercialization.

He has authored more than 300 publications, holds 4 patents, and serves on the advisory board for Scientific American. His television special Energy at the Movies was nationally syndicated on PBS stations (2013-2015), and his massive open online course (MOOC) “Energy 101” reached 44,000 students globally. Webber holds a B.S. and B.A. from UT Austin and M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Stanford. He was honored as an American Fellow of the German Marshall Fund, an AT&T Industrial Ecology Fellow, an ASME Fellow, and on four separate occasions by the University of Texas for exceptional teaching.

He is the author of “Thirst for Power: Energy, Water and Human Survival” published by Yale University Press.

Why the withering nuclear power industry threatens US national security

Aug 13, 2017 23:20 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics

These are tough times for nuclear power in the U.S. Power plants under construction are facing serious delays, halts and cost overruns. Utilities in South Carolina abandoned a project to complete construction of two power...

Economy

Impact of Iran-Israel conflict on Stocks, Gold and Bitcoin

Disclaimer: This is not investment advice. The information provided is for general purposes only. No information, materials, services and other content provided on this page constitute a solicitation, recommendation,...

Japan Posts 7.7% Growth in Machinery Orders

In a striking development that looks set to invigorate Japans economic prospects, a key gauge of capital spending in the country has seen its most significant jump in over a year. According to Cabinet Office data released...

Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing

In February 2024, African heads of states adopted a draft protocol to regulate digital trade within the continent. This significant yet challenging course for Africas digital economy fits into the broader trade agreement,...

Industry shutdowns are messy and painful: 4 lessons Australia’s coal sector can learn from car-makers about bowing out

Shifting Australias electricity sector to low-carbon technologies and closing coal plants is vital to tackling climate change. But such transitions are easier said than done. People and economies are often deeply...

Food prices will climb everywhere as temperatures rise due to climate change – new research

Climate change, and specifically rising temperatures, may cause food prices to increase by 3.2% per year, according to a new study by researchers in Germany. As climate change continues to worsen, this price inflation will...

Politics

Nvidia RTX 4090D Embroiled in US-China Tech Rivalry; South Korea Navigates Chip Export Dilemma

The U.S. government has tightened export restrictions on high-performance semiconductor chips to China, including the Nvidia RTX 4090D, and is urging South Korea to enforce similar curbs, marking a significant escalation...

Canada needs a national strategy for homeless refugee claimants

One year after the federal government closed Roxham Road, refugee claims in Canada continue to increase: there were 143,785 in 2023 compared to 91,730 in 2022. The surprise announcement in March 2023 to modify Canadas...

US and Japan Boost AI, Semiconductor Alliance; EU Eyes Reduction in China Dependence

Japan and the United States are poised to deepen ties in the high-tech sector, signaling a strategic move to enhance their global partnership with a focus on artificial intelligence and semiconductor...

US Finalizes Ban List for Chinese Chipmakers; Boosts Mexico Semiconductor Ties

The United States is finalizing a list of Chinese chip factories banned from receiving vital technology, aiming to curb Beijings tech advancements amid national security concerns. Concurrently, a US-Mexico semiconductor...

China's Commerce Minister to Advocate EV Sector in Europe Amid Subsidy, Tariff Probe

Chinas Commerce Minister Wang Wentao is set to visit Europe in April to address concerns and advocate for the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry amid a European Commission investigation into alleged unfair...

Science

Exploding stars are rare but emit torrents of radiation − if one happened close enough to Earth, it could threaten life on the planet

Stars like the Sun are remarkably constant. They vary in brightness by only 0.1% over years and decades, thanks to the fusion of hydrogen into helium that powers them. This process will keep the Sun shining steadily for...

An eclipse for everyone – how visually impaired students can ‘get a feel for’ eclipses

Many people in the U.S. will have an opportunity to witness nearly four minutes of a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024, as it moves from southern Texas to Maine. But in the U.S., over 7 million people are blind...

How do airplanes fly? An aerospace engineer explains the physics of flight

Airplane flight is one of the most significant technological achievements of the 20th century. The invention of the airplane allows people to travel from one side of the planet to the other in less than a day, compared...

The mystery of consciousness shows there may be a limit to what science alone can achieve

The progress of science in the last 400 years is mind-blowing. Who would have thought wed be able to trace the history of our universe to its origins 14 billion years ago? Science has increased the length and the quality...

What is minoxidil, the anti-balding hair growth treatment? Here’s what the science says

Hair loss (also known as alopecia) often affects the scalp but can occur anywhere on the body. Its very common and usually nothing to worry about; about half of Australian men show signs of visible baldness at age 50 and...

Technology

Samsung Touts AI as Game-Changer in Outpacing Apple with Innovative Home Appliances

At EuroCucina 2024, Samsung Electronics Co-CEO Han Jong-hee revealed the companys strategic push into AI-enhanced home appliances, aiming to surpass Apple in market innovation. Highlighting Samsungs integration of advanced...

Microsoft Exposes Early Russian Influence Efforts Ahead of US Elections

Microsoft reported on April 17 that Russian operatives have initiated online campaigns to sway the upcoming US presidential election, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. These operations focus primarily on...

Worldcoin Introduces World Chain to Enhance Human-Focused Blockchain Efficiency

Worldcoin, led by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, unveiled its new blockchain, World Chain, on April 17. Designed to elevate human users over bots, World Chain aims to streamline efficiency and foster practical utility in Web3...

Senators Push for Stablecoin Regulation to Protect US Dollar Dominance

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Cynthia Lummis have introduced the Lummis-Gillibrand Payment Stablecoin Act. This legislation establishes stringent guidelines for stablecoin issuers to enhance consumer protection and...

Tesla's Flood Resilience Tested by Dubai's Historic Rainfall

As Dubai experienced its heaviest rainfall in 75 years, Tesla vehicles were spotted expertly maneuvering through the citys severely flooded streets. Social media footage shows these electric vehicles crossing water-logged...